Direct Payments
What are direct payments?
Direct payments are a cash enablement for a recipient, after social work assessment to source and pay for a personal carer arranging their own care package directly with a supplier. The local council will assess the needs of an individual and determine whether they qualify and at what level typically a number of hours per week. The payments are made directly to the disabled or elderly individual. The payment is a sum which will be used to cover the employment of support and the overheads of operating and administration costs.
Over recent times at ICRIT Healthcare we have seen a shift by the Council’s encouraging Direct Payments over the Council providing the service. It removes the overheads of the Council and thus reduces the cost to the Council. We have also been told by our clients having engaged ICRIT Healthcare that they chose Direct Payments to give flexibility and control of who is providing care services. We work closely with the client to maximise the package and providing a very personal service.
Who can get a direct payment?
After assessment and subject to the determination the Council will conclude that an individual is in need of care services and has the right to request a direct payment instead of having those services provided by their local authority. In the current economic climate the local authority will often steer an individual down the direct payment route as it reduces their administrative overheads.
Direct Payments will be used for a wide range of services but in the main they are used to pay for services such as personal care, housework and domestic support, respite care, etc. The Council will often determine the use allowed and what restrictions apply. It is important to always check first before spending the monies.
People who may receive Direct Payments are;
- Older people who need assistance with community based activities and getting around,
- Disabled adults, over the age of 16, who need assistance with life skills and living independently,
- Carers, in place of receiving carers’ services,
- Families with disabled children and used as a form of respite in many cases, and,
- Disabled parents who need assistance with providing care and support for their children.
